Dutch media slam 'futile' Raheem Sterling and ask 'why sign him' after loss

Raheem Sterling was brought on from the bench in Feyenoord's 2-0 Eredivisie loss to FC Twente, but Dutch media were scathing of the former Liverpool player's second substitute appearance

Raheem Sterling has endured a tough start to life at Feyenoord(Image: Getty Images)

Raheem Sterling made his second appearance off the bench for new club Feyenoord during Sunday's 2-0 defeat to FC Twente.

Yet, for the second consecutive week, the former Liverpool and Manchester City winger's display came under the microscope. The 31-year-old joined the Eredivisie outfit last month following a mutual agreement to end his Chelsea contract, although visa complications delayed his debut.

Robin van Persie's squad even shifted training sessions over the Belgian border to circumvent work-permit hurdles and get him involved sooner. He entered the fray just past the hour mark to make his bow against struggling Telstar the previous week.

However, he failed to make his mark, and his conduct became a talking point despite the 2-1 victory.

Again, he was brought on as a substitute while the Rotterdam team toiled on its travels at Twente, already trailing 1-0. Yet, Sterling couldn't ignite a comeback in what finished as a 2-0 loss, with Dutch press pulling no punches.

In particular, AD took aim at Sterling's insufficient match sharpness. Their report stated: "Sterling is far from fit, everyone knows and sees that, so a heroic performance is simply not possible."

Sterling joined Feyenoord last month(Image: Getty Images)

AD columnist Willem van Hanegem was particularly scathing in his assessment, writing: "The Englishman shouldn't have wanted this move, and neither should Feyenoord.

"According to the manager, it will take another eight weeks before Sterling can be properly assessed. Only then will he be fit.

"Why sign him then?"

Rather than questioning his fitness, De Telegraaf concentrated on the minimal impression four-time Premier League winner Sterling made upon entering the pitch in the 61st minute.

Their damning critique stated: "Robin van Persie knew he had to intervene and did so after an hour, making three substitutions simultaneously.

"Englishman Raheem Sterling, Dane Casper Tengstedt and Korean In-beom Hwang were tasked with revitalising the team. But the attacking play didn't improve."

Much like its counterparts, NOS was equally disparaging of the former Manchester City winger's negligible contribution. NOS reported: "Van Persie tried to revitalize the game with three substitutions in the 61st minute.

"But the introduction of Raheem Sterling, among others, proved futile."